As beauty editors, we get bombarded with a ton of new products every day (we know—tough life). Reviewed is a series where we report on some of the best products we’ve tried. Whether it’s a drugstore lipstick that lasted all day or a hand cream that saved us last winter, you’ll find all of our favorites in this column. Enjoy!
I'm somewhat of a purist when it comes to a lot of things. I don't like toppings on my ice cream or bacon in my omelette. I'd rather have plain yogurt than anything with mix-ins, and I've always stayed away from skincare that felt gimmicky or came with glitter. Cut to the point: I wasn't among the first people to jump on the GlamGlow train. But, I'm here now, and I'm not getting off. Why? Because this product, the brand's newest facial oil, is not a gimmick. It's buzzy for a different reason: It works.
First, you swirl open the top and drop the liquid into your hands. Initially, it's completely black, but the velvety feel suppresses any of your color-sourced apprehensions, trust me. It's a liquid charcoal oil meant to clarify your complexion while protecting it from pollution, as well as nourish, de-puff, and soothe. That's a tall order, I know, but somehow it works. See, the formula is a mix of two types of charcoal with turmeric (for anti-inflammatory properties), aloe vera (for calming), vitamin C (for brightening and antioxidant protection), and salicylic acid (to nix breakouts). As you rub it between your fingers, the color changes from black to clear and it feels slightly warm as you apply it to your skin. It's kind of like a skincare hug in that way.
Once I'd massaged it in, I went to bed with dreams of a clearer, brighter, more detoxed face in the morning—and guess what? That's exactly what happened. A skeptic at heart, I was expecting to wake up and be unimpressed. Alas, that was just not the case. My skin felt softer and bouncier and looked brighter than it had in months. For me, because I get puffy, I found the turmeric to be the hero ingredient.
Because my skin can be dry, I started to use the oil once a week after masking—to clarify and keep everything in tip-top shape after deep hydration. For combination or oily skin types, I'd say this is a great option for every few days or even every morning and night. It's a product I definitely recommend and one I think you'll have fun trying (the shape-shifting quality is an exciting addition to your beauty routine).
